System
Using 299 Phantom 30 frames, the system comprised 52 PSUs, two S-Drives and two Folsom video converters, the video feed being supplied by Hockenheim as composite video over 150m of cable into the Folsom units. These then converted the signal DVI for the Phantom 30 S-Drives, which transmitted the LED drive signals over optical fibre daisy chained to each of the frames. Despite such a long feed, the video display was solid as a rock and the colours bright and vivid.

DesignThe 23m x 13m screen, thought to be the largest LED screen ever used at such a major motor racing event, was built specifically for the three day event. The screen needed to be easy to construct and de-rig, but also needed to present extremely low wind resistance. Indeed the pre-race days saw strong winds and torrential rain, but the G-LEC screen, even brighter than the high resolution screens used at the pit stops, continued to perform brilliantly.

The screen hung from a 23m wide single span truss frame, possible because the screen weighed just 2.5 tons. Calculated to withstand strong winds, the whole structure was fully approved by Germany’s TÜV standards body as a temporary building for its ability to withstand the elements.

As well as showing the race on the day itself, the screen was also used with a solid white signal for announcements, timetables and weather forecasts. The Phantom 30 system is ideal for large outdoor events and G-LEC equipment will be seen more and more at sporting events such as this.